Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)

Join Janice Smith, VMF’s Education Coordinator and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, on a guided Forest Bathing walk at VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center in Julian, CA.

Forest Bathing, also called Shinrin-Yoku, is a practice that supports healing and wellness through guided sensory immersion in forests and other natural environments. It is not a hike with a destination or goal, rather a series of guided open invitations aimed at slowing down and taking time to wander and notice nature.

Shinrin-Yoku originated in Japan in the 1980’s to address a spike in stress related illness during the new tech boom. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest” and yoku means “bath.” So Shinrin-Yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through your senses with the intention of receiving therapeutic benefits.

The walk ends with a tea ceremony, using foraged local plants made by the guide.

MUST REGISTER at www.VolcanMt.org/Forest-Bathing-December-2025

Note: This experience is for adults only and is limited to 10 participants.

Location: VMF's Volcan Mountain Nature Center, Julian, CA

Cost: $35 per person